My lender network

A bank has one catalogue. I have dozens.

As a broker affiliated with Dominion Lending Centres, I have access to a national network of lenders. That does not mean I submit your file everywhere — it means I choose the one that matches your profile, instead of forcing you into a single lender’s mould.

The four families of lenders

Chartered banks and credit unions. The most competitive rates for a strong file: stable income, good credit, conforming down payment. That is the first place I look.

Monoline lenders. They do mortgages only and work exclusively through brokers. Often very competitive, with more flexible prepayment terms than the big banks. You cannot access them directly.

Alternative lenders. Built for the files banks decline: self-employed, income that is hard to document, credit being rebuilt, newcomers to Canada. The rate is higher, but it is often a solution for one term while you qualify elsewhere.

Private lenders. For urgent or highly unusual situations — a tight deadline, an atypical property, a file temporarily blocked. Expensive, and always treated as a bridge with a written exit plan.

How I choose

The rate matters, but it is not alone. I also look at prepayment penalties and how they are calculated, lump-sum privileges, portability if you move, flexibility on qualification criteria, and turnaround times. Two offers at the same rate can cost very different amounts over five years.

One thing that matters: I do not submit your application to ten lenders hoping one says yes. Every credit check leaves a trace on your file. I target the lenders best positioned for your profile and present the file once, properly.